Luke - Don't fear... seek

Luke 12:22-33, "And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

This is a commonly known passage of scripture. It's is highly quotable and can be a bit cliche. But when you walk in obedience and say yes to the journey of being a missionary this passage becomes more real than you ever thought imaginable. I read this and cried.

So much of this is extremely hard to walk in. I mean seriously... don't be anxious. Pssh! Yeah that's a minute by minute decision that I often fail to make. I find myself on many occasions during the day fighting off fear... fear that I will not be provided for. And then I fight off feelings of shame that I'm doubting and not trusting God will provide for me to do what He has told me to do. Ugh, what a yucky cycle!



Even so, I'm glad Jesus said these things. I'm glad because I am not able to sit down (literally) face to face with Jesus and have Him speak these words to me. So I read them and allow them to penetrate my heart and sink in deeply as I ask Holy Spirit to set them like anchors into the depths of my soul.

The most encouraging portion of this passage for me is the last three verses. I feel as though Jesus is speaking directly to me especially during this time. "For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good please to give you the kingdom."

Wow, what a promise we have been given! God knows we need provision but instead of focusing on that and asking for our needs all we need to do is seek His kingdom (the heart and will of God) and He will provide all we need. Not only will He give us what we need He will do it joyfully, generously and with great pleasure. Now that is something I desire to receive!

So the next time my heart wants to fear not getting enough support to get to Italy I will embrace the promise that if I seek God's heart for His people in Italy He will get me there... someway, somehow.

Today if you are in need remember He knows, He cares and He wants to provide. Don't worry and don't fear but instead set your eyes locked on Him and His kingdom!

~Nicole